Former Arsenal target Dusan Vlahovic, who famously turned down the Gunners in favour of Juventus in 2022, is now pushing for a move to the Premier League with Manchester United reportedly his preferred destination.
The rejection that Arsenal fans won’t forgot
Back in January 2022, Arsenal were in prime position to sign the prolific Serbian forward. The club had tabled a £50 million offer for the then-Fiorentina star, with Mikel Arteta prioritising a marquee centre-forward to lead the line for the North London side.
However, Vlahovic made it clear from the outset that his heart was set on Juventus. The striker later confirmed he never considered Arsenal’s proposal, saying:
“Maybe my agent knows [about Arsenal’s offer], but I never talked to anyone about it. I just had one club in my mind because Juventus is Juventus.”
That very public snub left a bitter taste among many Arsenal supporters, particularly as the Gunners went on to scramble for short-term attacking options while Juventus handed Vlahovic a £66 million deal.
Now the tables have turned
Fast forward to summer 2025, and the situation has shifted dramatically. According to GIVEMESPORT, Juventus have informed Vlahovic he is no longer part of their long-term plans. With 56 goals in 142 appearances and only moderate development in Turin, the club is now exploring ways to offload him.
Vlahovic, now 25, is reportedly “desperate” for a fresh start in the Premier League, with his agents actively pushing for a move to Manchester United. The Serbian has also rejected overtures from Turkish clubs and mid-table suitors, holding out for a “top-tier” club in England.
Arsenal unlikely to reignite interest
Despite Vlahovic’s rekindled desire to play in England, Arsenal are highly unlikely to revisit this deal.
Not only has the club evolved its striker strategy targeting players like Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, and Julian Alvarez but there’s also the issue of Vlahovic’s past rejection and current wage demands, which are said to be in the region of £200,000 per week.
Arsenal now have a clear recruitment identity under Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta, prioritising character, versatility, and system fit as much as raw talent. With Vlahovic’s style and decision-making previously viewed as mismatched with Arteta’s vision, the Gunners are unlikely to offer him a Premier League lifeline.
Author Opinion
While Vlahovic may yet end up in England, his best chance with Arsenal has come and gone. The Gunners have moved forward both literally and strategically and fans won’t soon forget how he chose to look the other way when North London came calling.
